If you're headed into the alpine where you'll be doing some easy free climbing where you only need a little protection, a set of Master Cams will do the trick without weighing you down. Most cam companies are adopting a size range similar to Black Diamond, but Metolius is holding fast to their original designs, and their sizes can be bomber when the BDs are too over-cammed. For certain cracks in Indian Creek like the Optimator or Powerline, a handful of red Metolius can inspire way more..." go to full review

The Butora Brava is worthy of a close look. This kids shoe has some great things going for it. Sure, it may not be the highest performer, but it makes up for it with its incredible value and having a few great features like the adjustable heel strap, the EVA heel wedge, and the wide hook and loop opening. A soft, almost sock-like, microfiber upper and a flat neutral last also make this shoe super comfortable. If top performance is a priority, we recommend looking toward the La Sportiva..." go to full review

With the fit of a slipper, sticky rubber, and an aggressive shape, the Mad Rock Lotus is a steep climbing powerhouse. These shoes are great for the gym or bouldering since they are easy to get on and off. If they are sized properly (definitely go up a size or two from your street shoe size!) they also make for a comfortable shoe for all-day sport climbing. We are impressed with these kicks, as they're hard to beat when it comes to price and overall performance.go to full review

The latest iteration of the Nomic improves on a tried-and-true design. The new Nomics come in at the same weight (about 21oz), but by shedding a few grams from the handle, Petzl was able to add their Mini Marteau hammer to the head, plus a stainless-steel spike to the bottom. Other improvements include a wider handle for a more comfortable grip, a glass-filled nylon overmolded upper grip (no more need for tape), pick weights shaped to better slot in cracks, and an insert in the head that..." go to full review

While you could certainly use the 6mm Aramid slings (60-, 90-, and 120cm lengths) solely for V-threads while ice climbing, I quickly found them to be much more versatile. During testing, the slings quickly revealed themselves to be quite stiff, almost wiry. As such, they are not simply for connecting your rope to pro—they are pro, designed to be threaded through solution pockets and connected huecos, around chockstones, and to sling horns, blocks, and chickenheads or get flossed..." go to full review

“Have I gotten better or is it the gear?”—this haunted me as I deftly placed the new BD Ultralights (13-, 16-, 19-, and 22-cm lengths; 2.6–3.4 oz) on the steep lines above Vermont’s Lake Willoughby. With instant bite, smooth boring, and easy-action handles, there was no need to run it out. Aggressive geometry on the steel teeth gave a bulldog bite, and the aluminum shaft—an ample 2cm in diameter—provided a smooth, stable drive. Add in a snappy, fold-out plastic handle, and these things..." go to full review